"Hancock 38" Defendants Found Guilty for Bold Army Base Protest
Against
http://www.democracynow.org/2011/12/2/hancock_38_defendants_found_guilty_for
Betsy Keenan <keenanweaving@yahoo.com>
Fri, Dec 2, 2011
Hancock 38 Drone Resisters Verdict Announced
On Thursday, December 1, the Hancock 38 drone resisters returned to
“die-in” at the main entrance Hancock Air National Guard Base
(Mattydale, NY), protesting the piloting and maintenance of the
hunter/killer Reaper drones at the Base.
Early in his decision, Judge David Gideon stated, “Many issues were
raised that were not heretofore contemplated by this Court on a
personal level; for which this Court personally acknowledges a new and
different understanding, making the decision now before the Court that
much more difficult.” After much consideration and several sleepless
nights, he concluded that the defendants were guilty of both
“obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic” and “refusing to comply
with a lawful order of the police to disperse.”
In their sentencing statements, the activists contested the Judge’s
decision, stating that they were duty bound by the
Principles, International Law and the
drones – the Principles forbid wars of aggression, attacks on
civilians and extrajudicial assassinations, all actions associated
with drone warfare. Action is urgent since innocents are being
murdered every day by drone attacks. The verdict is indeed in – the
drones are illegal.
Most people received a one year conditional discharge, along with a
fine of $250 and $150 court costs and community service. Four people
were given jail time, ranging from four to fifteen days.
The activists are undeterred, vowing to return to the Base, inviting
the Judge, prosecutor, other court employees to join them.
The action was sponsored by the Upstate NY Coalition to Ground the
Drones and End the Wars, consisting of activists from
Go to http://upstatedroneaction.org/
Read the Judge's decision at http://www.peacecouncil.net/drones/index.htm.
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